GA Senate passes new PSC district map

by Robin Kemp

The Georgia Senate has voted to pass a new Public Service Commission district map that places Dekalb, Fulton, and Clayton Counties into a single District 3.

The PSC regulates the prices that utility companies can charge customers for electricity, natural gas, and telecommunications.

Critics say the bill would prevent any Democrat from running against Tim Echols, who is up for reelection to another six-year term, for the next decade. That’s when the next Census count and reapportionment process would take place.

An article by the Associated Press’ Jeff Amy pointing this out became the subject of some contentious exchanges during floor questions.

Amy wrote, “Democrat Patty Durand of Peachtree Corners in Gwinnett County had filed to challenge Echols, but won’t be able to run if lawmakers approve the new map, because her county will be drawn out of Echols district and into Commissioner Lauren ‘Bubba’ McDonald’s district. Durand can’t move, because candidates must live in their district for a year before November’s election.“

More to come.